3/3/2017
- By Mike Muha

It the last weekend of racing for individual Michigan Cup points! This is your last chance to move up in the standings. If you don't race, you'll probably move down, since someone else will be getting the points you give up!

2/28/2017
- By Swix

The interface between skier and pole begins at the strap, a hand-shaped anti stretch material aimed at subtle feel and complete integration, all connected to a grip that collectively is nearly 1/3 lighter than previous Swix grips.

2/24/2017
- By Birkie

After days of unseasonable weather, rain, and a predicted snow storm front missing the Hayward and Cable areas, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation regretfully announces the cancellation of the 2017 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon

2/23/2017
- By Mike Muha

2/23/2017
- By Wendy Swenson

An American Ski Marathon Series race, the Rendezvous Ski Race's registration prices goes up today. There are six different races to choose from depending on your age and ability: 2K, 5K, 10K, 25K classic, 25K and 50K.

2/21/2017
- By Birkie

EVENT UPDATE! With unseasonable weather again today, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that Birkie Week Friday events have moved, and three race scenarios are under consideration.

LATEST TRAIL CONDITIONS

WED, DEC 13

Hanson Hills: Trails improving with each daily snowfall. Skating was good today. All trails were open. Still no classic tracks. Looking forward to skiing the new extension of the classic only Wilderness trail, now nearly 9 k long.

Vasa Trail: Jayne & I left Timber Ridge at 11:00 AM in blowing snow heading counter clockwise on Vasa & found a freshly rolled trail all the way toward the rock. Despite classic skiing without set tracks & facing strong winds, it was a beautiful ski on trails we enjoy. Lots of friendly skaters along the way, & a reminder of why we returned to TC 20 years ago. Who's car pooling to Lakes of the North this weekend?

Vasa Trail: Jayne & I left Timber Ridge at 11:00 AM in blowing snow heading counter clockwise on Vasa & found a freshly rolled trail all the way toward the rock. Despite classic skiing without set tracks & facing strong winds, it was a beautiful ski on trails we enjoy. Lots of friendly skaters along the way, & a reminder of why we returned to TC 20 years ago. Who's car pooling to Lakes of the North this weekend?

East Side Golf Course: Tried skating today. Classic was better yesterday. The ground was frozen when the snow came down, so it didn't melt at the beginning to form a thin ice layer once it got even colder, so skis on edge get all the way to the short grass/ground and grab. All good if you keep the skis pretty flat (i.e. stick to classic). Occasional drifts that have firmed up from wind packing, but hey - this is Ohio, any skiing before Christmas is good skiing.

Milham Park Golf Course: We moved the grooming equipment today and are all set to go. Current plan is to groom Thursday morning. Hoping we get more snow today. Things are still very thin but will run the roller around if we don't get more snow. Will report tomorrow after grooming with trail conditions.

Huron Meadows Metropark: Huron Meadows reports that tomorrow (Thursday) will be the officially opening day for skiing! They'll have a big job ahead of them packing and grooming today and tonight's forecasted snow. (You'll notice that some trails are already open - See Tony's trail report, and the Kids Class will be on groomed snow tonight...with a fast covering of new snow).

Muskegon Winter Sports Complex: Trails are machine groomed with 4" packed base. Tracks are set today and the trails are wide enough for good for skating. Snow is falling off and on today and we will groom trails as needed

Nubs Nob: The trails are open. The Upper trails were power-tilled this morning. The Lower Trails were repacked this morning.

Huron Meadows Metropark: Skied last night. The south golf course trail was groomed. A couple places were wind-blown and pretty bare, and some other places were wind-blown and deep with snow, but overall better than expected. Don't know it the rest of the trails were grooomed or not. Skating only - no tracks.

Noquemanon Trail-Forestville: Real Grooming Report: Groomers went out this morning with the Ginzu equipment and the skate lane is coming along nicely even with the thin cover. All trails inside 17k will be groomed or roll packed but use extreme caution on the steep down hills. And, remember, don’t snow plow. There is still too little snow for a credible classic track however. They did attempt to set track so you will see it in a few places.

Way Too Long Grooming Report: As someone that stokes a wood stove daily, I know my way to the wood shed. So, when told to go there I was surprised at the reception. It seems there is an active chapter of friends of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I didn’t even check the school closing list given yesterday morning’s (in my view) paltry dusting. However, that is not the way the school system or Our Lady of Guadalupe friends saw things. Granted, my drift on the Spruce Street driveway was 16” but that I always chalk that up to well deserved divine retribution. Anyway, my apologies to those lobbying for the Our Lady of Guadalupe snow storm. My failure in storm naming was not the only issue at the wood shed. It seems there is an active contingent of supporters of people that snow plow. Granted, I may have been a little harsh on them but, please, try to avoid pushing snow off the trails.

Today and tonight look to be snow events to classic tracks and steep hill skiing may be close at hand. See you out there.

Hanson Hills: Trails are shaping up nicely, We are receiving some new snow right now. All trails have been packed the past few days. Groomer Tommy G. has freshly snowcombed the Yellow, Blue, and Green Trails this morning. Lodge and Trails Open 9am-4pm today.

Boyne Mountain: All trails have been rolled and all but Innsbruk have been tracked. Still a little thin on Innsbruk and Vojins but all beginner and intermediate trails are in good shape and if the wind stops blowing, should remain that way!

Enjoy this early blast of winter!

Crystal Mountain: Quite the adventure rolling the trails thru Tuesday's blizzard - had to stop a few times to figure out where the trail had gone. Everything is rolled except Eagle & Squirrel (better to pack those 2 zingers before taking a groomer up there).Kathy is back at it today firming things up & rolling today's fresh.Plenty of base for a track set and trails should be mid-winter prime by the weekend.

Groomer Tim

East Side Golf Course: Skating should be OK on the golf courses that got enough snow. I have not been near Highland (Chagrin & Green), but East of 271 we got more snow. Chapin doesn't have enough yet, no update on the hotline (Weds AM) - radar looks like GRR and Punderson may be getting more.

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: Conditions on the trails yesterday showed a big improvement, with more of the trail system in good condition for skating and classic. While we need a bit more snow to have great skiing on all the trails – and to set classic tracks – the skiing is still good for “B skis”. We are forecast to receive up to 5 inches of snow before the weekend, so we are very hopeful for great skiing by Saturday, and possibly by tomorrow!

Mackinaw Cut and Wild Turkey are in the best shape: 85% good, and 15% fair. Manitou has some nice skiing, with 65% good, 30% fair, and a couple thin spots. Rolling Hills is primarily in good condition, with a couple of fair spots. Tall Pines still needs more snow to have good skiing, and Adventure is closed for now as it is too wet. The practice area continues to have the best snow, ideal for hill training and technique, plus of course lessons and ski demos!

Stop in for lunch at the Stone Turtle Day Lodge Cafe! Today’s special is the Cubano Panini! Honey glazed ham, oven roasted turkey, swiss cheese, dill pickle slices, mayo and Dijon mustard come together on a crusty ciabatta bun. Served with Great Lakes Chips and a pickle… yes! We also have creamy ham and potato soup and classic chili, both served with a warm roll and real butter. Don’t forget the Bosco sticks!

TUE, DEC 12

East Side Golf Course: No wax classic on ungroomed golf course. After dark, 20F. Could have used blue kick I think. The ground surface is frozen so no icing/clumping. Some drifting, but not too deep, would have been easier to avoid in daylight. Fairways were good with great glide in spots, rough was not grabby and about what should be expected with 3-4" of fairly light snow.

Vasa Trail: I was supposed to ski in the morning with Glenn, Cliff and Tom but the weather looked bad at 6:30am so I did what many retires do, went back to bed. Later in afternoon skied the entire Vasa loop including Jack Pine and Headwaters. Nice to see that Jack Pine skiing clockwise was very good and excellent snow coverage. Headwaters was fast and wind blown, so it might be a little slick for the novice or intermediate skier. I used my good skis but be careful crossing the snowmobile tracks and roads. The wall by-pass has a few dirt spots still but overall the course is awesome. Thanks to the Vasa groomers for doing such a great job. Gets better every day.

Unlisted trail: 45 North Winery in Lake Leelanau approximately 2 miles from the village of Lake Leelanau is a hidden gem in Leelanau County. Grooming commenced today and Brian Grossnickle did a great job of adding alternate routes and widening the trail this year. It’s 5 km plus with ample elevation since it’s a winery??. Use rock skis since the wind blown areas have thin spots. Dress for windy conditions! Finally it is a multi-use trail with fat tire bikes commonly imuisng the trail too. Skating is best, since there aren’t any classic tracks. I love skiing here! Thanks 45 North!!

Hudson Mills Metropark: Beautiful snow!

Maybury State Park: 4" fresh dense snow. No grooming but skied in track. Use rock skis. Swix universal blue. A good ski.

Valley Spur: Several inches of snow last night and flurries continue. Dan has rolled and set track on A, B, C, D, Y and W. Very Good classic tracks. We have enough base for some light Ginzu work, so skate lanes will be flattened and Z(Birkie Training Loop) should be open by the weekend.

Hanson Hills: We received another 2 inches of snow last night, Groomers Jason and Tommy G. are packing and rolling all trails again today. We are now up to about 1 1/2 of decent base. We still do not have enough snow to set tracks, but predictions are showing another 1-3inches to be received today!! Lodge and Trail will be open from 9am-4pm today, trail passes are $5.

Cross Country Ski Headquarters: We received between 1 and 2 inches of snow yesterday, which improved the conditions of the trails greatly. Groomer Bob snow combed all the trails late yesterday afternoon with good results. With our top trails in mostly good condition, we have upgraded our recommendation for skiing on “rock skis” to skiing on “B skis”. Skating and classic should see full coverage and fair to good conditions most everywhere on the trail network, though not quite enough snow to set classic tracks yet.

Best trails: Mackinaw Cut and Wild Turkey are in the best shape: 85% good, and 15% fair. Manitou has some nice skiing, with 65% good, 30% fair, and one or two thin spots. Rolling Hills is about a 50/50 split between good and fair. Of course, the practice area has a ton of excellent snow. Great for technique training, lessons, and ski demos!

Join us for lunch at the Stone Turtle Day Lodge Cafe! Today’s specials are the Gourmet Hammy Sammy, with honey glazed sliced spiral ham, swiss cheese, tomato and spicy brown mustard, served on a warm ciabatta bun. We also have creamy ham and potato soup, served with a warm roll and real butter. Fresh baked cookies and hot cocoa make a great dessert!

Things are really starting to look good around here, and more snow is in the forecast later this week!